Influence of Train Speed on Transient Current Evolution in Traction Network Under Pantograph–Catenary Offline Conditions

To investigate the influence of train operating speed on the transient characteristics of the pantograph–catenary arc, this paper establishes an integrated simulation model encompassing the traction network, electric locomotive, and arc. In this model, the traction network adopts a chain circuit model based on multi-conductor transmission line theory. The electric locomotive model considers the train body and the on-board transformer. For the pantograph–catenary offline arc, an improved Habedank model is employed, which takes the train operating speed and arc current as variables. Based on this model, this paper systematically investigates the variation patterns of arc electrical parameters and transient currents in each line of the traction network with train operating speed under pantograph–catenary offline. The simulation results indicate that as train speed increases, both the steady-state arc voltage and the maximum voltage at arc ignition rise, and the arc extinction time at current zero-crossing is prolonged. The peak arc currents on the contact wire, feeder, protective wire, and rails decrease, while the transient current on the ground wire increases. This study can provide a reference for the electromagnetic compatibility design, insulation coordination optimization, and electromagnetic protection of high-speed railway traction power supply systems.